Recording and translating device



July 14, 1953 J. V. NELSON RECORDING AND TRANSLATING DEVICE Filed March26, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet l Invenro r: Iohnvmi'orNdson J. V. NELSCNRECORDING AND TRANSLATING DEVICE July 14, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledMarch 26, 1951 Ipvcrfior': Jobnvlcfo NeL on, 0 -AH y 4, 1953 J. v.NELSON 2,645,495

RECORDING AND TRANSLATING DEVICE Filed March 26, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 52:14 L l I July 14, 1953 J. v. NELSON 2,645,495

RECORDING AND ll'iANSlZ-ATING DEVICE Filed March 26, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet4 o I IbJbhUVEmf Nel on, 7% 9. W

July 14, 1953 J. v. NELSON 2,645,495

RECORDING AND TRANSLATING DEVICE Filed March 26, 1951 l 7 Sheets-Sheet eI 1 I I 1 I I 3.2 270 63 Invard'ov:

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July 14, 1953 J. v. NELSON 2,645,495 I RECORDING AND :(TRANSLATINGDEVICE I Filed March 26, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Bumnsebm' Emmaaumnse'r-bsfi 5, 129 H-m m lee E nae E Patented July 14, 1953 RECORDINGAND TRANSLATING DEVICE John Victor Nelson, Elmhurst, Ill., assignor toKrag Steel Products, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of IllinoisApplication March 26, 1951, Serial No. 217,513

9 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in recording and translatingdevices. Specifically the invention relates to improvements in devicesfor recording and translating or playing by use of magnetic typerecordings, either of the tape or the wire type. The improvements hereindisclosed are useful for devices intended either for making recordingsor for translating recordings previously made, or for both of suchoperations as required.

A principal feature and object of the present invention is to provide arecorder of simple design and construction, and which can be constructedaccording to well understood and widely used shop practices andoperations, and at low cost. In this connection it is an object toprovide a design and construction in which many of the parts are formedof sheet metal stampings and die cutting and. die forming operations,and by punch press operations to a large extent. It is a further objectto provide a design and construction such that many or all of the partsmay be of standardized form and largely interchangeable, a design andconstruction such that the assembling operations may be performed simplyand expeditiously and with largely unskilled operators, and according toa simple plan of assembly.

A further object of the invention is to provide a design andconstruction which shall include provision for such different tape orwire movements as are needed to permit the various speeds, both forwardand. backward, as needed, to permit forward movements either fortranslation during such movements or without translation, :as when it isdesired to advance the record to a further position where replaying willbe recommenced, to make provision for effecting various of the movementsat either of two or more speedsas selected by the operator, and toeffect various other record movements as will hereinafter appear indetail.

A further feature and object of the invention relates to the provisionof elements and constructions such as to effect the record movementsunder very excellent control, regardless of whether such movements be atslow or high speed. Also, to make provision for effecting such movementsunder excellent control when passing from a high speed condition to alower speed condition. In this connection it is noted that therecording, generally of the tape type, but also. ofthe wire type, isefiected by passing the tape or wire past a translating head which isprovided with suitable magnetic sensing elements, and during suchmovement the tape or wire is drawn from one reel and Wound onto anotherreel. These reels are of size appropriate to accommodate such amount oftape or wire as may be desired; but in many cases the reels are offlange diameters as great as 6 /2 to 7 inches or even more. When such areel is filled even partially with tape or wire it has a veryconsiderable mass and a proportionately large momentum when'rotating atspeed. When drawing the tape or wire from one reel onto the other reelat any given rate of tape movement the rotational speed of the reel fromwhich the record is being drawn increases as the amount of record onsuch reel decreases, due to the decreasing diameter of the recordremaining on such reel, so that when more than one-half of the recordhas been shifted to the receiving reel the rotational speed of thedelivering reel rapidly becomes much greater than that of the receivingreel. This condition finally results in high rotational speeds of thedelivery reel, such that the momentum of such reel is very large,considering the nature of the device. =If, under such conditions thereceiving reel be suddenly stopped or even if its rate of rotation besuddenly reduced, as when passing from an advancing tape condition inwhich the tape is merely being advanced withoutplaying to a condition inwhich playing is resumed, the momentum of the delivering reel will causesaid reel to continue its rotations at excess speed, and this willresult in delivery of record to the sensing head at rate greater thanthe record is being taken up by the receiving reel. Under theseconditions loose record will accumulate, with corresponding troublessuch as tangling of the tape, or improper movement of the tape past thesensing head, and other troubles will be evident.

It is a further object of the present invention to make provision formaintaining the tape or other record under proper tension at all times,especially within the zone of movement of such record past the sensingunit, so that such troubles as just above referred to will be avoided.During normal forward drive for translation of the record I thedelivering reel, so that such frictional resistance will have to beovercome'in order to withdraw the tape from such reel, thus imposing acontinuous tension'on-the tape during the trans- It is also notedthatduring translating movements of the tape or other record the rate ofsuch movement past the sensing head should be uniform at the selectedrate of translation. That is, the rate of record travel should beuniform past the sensing head, whether such rate be slow or fast aspre-set by the user of the device- The travel of the tape past thesensing head is effected by rotational drive to the receiving reel. Inorder that the rate of travel past the sensing head shall be uniform atthe selected rate the reel must travel at a varying rate in revolutionsper minute since the effective diameter of the tape or wire on such reelincreases as more and more of the record accumulates on such reel. Itis, however, desirable to effect drive through the medium of a simpledriving element, and without need of providing for a varying rate ofrotation of such element as the effective diameter of the receiving reelincreases. That is, it is desirable to effect drive of the receivingreel from a driving element whose rotational rate is constant. Thisrequires the interposition of a yieldable driving connection from suchconstant rate driving element to the varying rate reel. Such a yieldabledriving connection I have provided in the form of a frictional drivebetween these parts,

which frictional drive is of sufficient driving effect to ensuredependable drive of the receiving reel at all times during translation,but is capable of yielding at all times, to allow the driving element toprogress at greater rate than the driven rate of the reel.

The rotational rate of the drivingelement just referred to is highenough to ensure take up of the record always at that rate which ispre-set by the user, even when the amount of record on the reel issmall, with correspondingly small effective,

diameter. Under these conditions the rate'of slip is low when the amountof record on the reel is small, and as the operation progresses, withcorresponding increase of effective diameter of the receiving reel, therate of slip increases, due to the fact that the amount of record takenonto such reel for each rotation thereof increases. The driving elementis, however driven at such rate that there shall be some small amount ofslip between it and the receiving reel, even when the amount of recordon such reel is small, thus ensuring that there shall be some slip atall times during drive. This will not only ensure that the receivingreel shall always rotate fast enough to take the record as fast asdelivered to it, but will also ensure that the pull exerted on such tapeshall always be continuous, and smooth.

I have stated that the travel of the tape or wire past the sensing headis by rotational drive ing the translation or playing operation. This Ispindle is driven at such uniform rate as selected and pre-set by theuser, so that the rate of playing is pre-selected. The pressingengagement between the tape and this spindle is sufficient to ensuregood control of the tape by the spindle, and to prevent slip at thispoint. Thus the rate of drive is surely controlled. From this drivespindle the tape passes to the receiving reel, whose function is that oftaking up the tape as delivered to it. Since this receiving reel isbeing frictionally driven by a driving element rotating at a rate fasterthan the take up rate at which the reel ever rotates, it is evident thatsuch reel always exerts a pulling effect on the tape being deliveredfrom the spindle, but the frictional drive is not great enough to drawthe tape past such spindle faster than the delivery rate of the spindle;that is, no slip ever occurs at the position of such spindle.

Means are provided for pressing the tape against this spindle. Suchmeans takes the form of a presser roller. Means are provided for movingsuch presser roller into pressing engagement with the tape duringplaying operations, to press the tape into engagement with the spindle,and for moving the presser roller away from the tape during variousother operating conditions. Thus, such presser roller is moved away fromthe tape (and from the spindle) during the stop condition, during thenon-playing Advance conditions, and during the Re-wind conditions. Suchresults are desired since the only time when the control of the tapemovements should occur is during a playing operation. At all other timesthe tape should be and is free to move past the spindle (and past thesensing head) without control by the spindle.

There is also provided a tape guide for ensuring good control of thetape during its playing progress past the sensing head. This isdesirable in order to ensure good and faithful translation; but while Ihave shown and shall generally describe such tape guide herein I do notclaim it as any portion of the present invention as respects the detailsof design and construction thereof. These comprise the subject-matter ofanother application for Letters Patent filed by another inventor.

Now I have previously referred to the provision of frictional drive totheReceiving reel from a driving element, and I have also referred tothe provision of a frictional resistance to the Delivering reel. In caseof a sudden stoppage of the device, as when throwing the control to the1 Stop position, or when changing from one speed to another, thesefrictional elements will tend to slow down or stop the rotation of theirrespective reels. However, such frictional control is not large enoughto cause very quick or sudden stoppage of rotation, so that it has beenfound very desirable or even necessary to make other provision foreffecting such stoppage. It is therefore a further and important featureand object of the present invention to provide suitable brakes for thetwo reels to control and arrest their rotational movements at the propertimes.

I have provided one such brake acting on each of the reels, togetherwith suitable means to move said brakes into and out of brakingpositions at proper times, and under proper settings of the device.These brake controls are so related to the other elements that only thebrake on a reel from which tape is being or has been drawn will ever beactuated, leaving the other reel unbraked at such time. Thus, when thedevice has been operating for Re-wind drawing tape from the Receivingreel at relatively high speed, as the control is then thrown to anotherposition, the

, brake on the Receiving reel is immediately; set, to arrest rotation ofsuch reel, but, without braking the reel to which tape has been moving,the Delivering reel. This sudden braking of the Receiving reel willretain the tape under tension, and will cause the non-braked reel tocome to rest by reason of the tension thus created in the tape, and willthus prevent any over-running of the tape during the stopping operation.Or again, when the device has been operating for Fast Advance of thetape (without playing), drawing tape from the Delivering reel to theReceiving reel at high speed (so as to effect a fast advance to someother tape location), and.

the device is then moved. to another control position, such that therate of tape advance is slowed or even stopped, the brake of theDelivering reel is set to thus suddenly impose an additional tension onthe tape, and to ensure that fouling of the tape shall not occur. Thesebrake controls are so effected and are so interconnected with thecontrol device and other parts that the proper brake operations areefiected automatically and in proper manner.

In order to effect most faithful translation of the recorded signals itis important that the tape on which the recording is effected shall bemoved past the sensing head at a very uniform speed during translation.Slight irregularities in rate of such movement will be reflected inamplified form in the speaker or other sound producer. It is a furtherobject of the present invention to ensure extremely rigid control of.the rate of tape travel. To this end I have provided a flywheel elementin direct connection with the tape drive.

spindle already referred to, so. that the. rotational movements of thatspindle shall be under accurate control. The mass and the rotationalinertia of this flywheel are many times the corresponding factors of thedrive spindle. and shaft,,

so that correspondingly great control of the spin dle rotation iseffected. To further improve this relationship I have formed the spindleas an extension of the shaft of this flywheel itself.

A further feature of the present invention relates to the means wherebydrives, between the cases slip is effectively avoided.

A further feature of the present invention relates to the provision of avery simple control means for bringing the various elements into theseveral combinations desired. This control means includes a simple slideof cam form. whose position is determined from time to time by movementof the main control element to its several positions.

A further and important feature and. object of the present inventionrelates to the. provision of improved means to effect the necessarychanges in drives from the motor to the various driven elements in orderto effect the desired. changes in speeds of drive and directions inwhich the elements are to be driven. In this connection said elementsare driven through friction wheel drives including engagement of rubberfaced wheels with steel or other metal faced elements. It is an objectof the invention to provide improved meansv to support these. elementssuch ed laterally into and out of engagement with the companion elementsto effect the desired driving changes.

In connection with the foregoing it is: a further object of the.invention to. provide sheet metal slides, for theseveral shiftableelements and on which, slides said elements are iournalled, so thatshift of said slides will effect the desired movements of. the drivingand driven elements. It is.a. further object to so form these slidesthat they may be easily and quickly inserted into operative positions onthe common supporting element during assembly of the unit. It is afurther object to so form these slides that when inserted into operativepositions on the common support each slide shall be locked into itsposition so as to prevent unintentional disengagement of such slide fromthe supporting element, while at the same time permitting the necessarymovements of said slide elements to be executed under proper control.

Other objects and uses of the invention will appear from a detaileddescription of the same which consists in the features of constructionand combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a plan view of a recorder embodying the features of thepresent invention, both of the control elements being shown in theirStop positions, and with the Fast and Slow control in its Slow position;

Figure 2 shows a front elevation corresponding to Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the recorder with both of the reelsremoved from their spindles, and with both of the shields for the tapeguide and for the sensing head removed;

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the recorder with the top plate removed,but with the upper supporting plate in position, and with the sensinghead and the tape guide in place;

(Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 are shown on approximately forty percent scalesize);

Figure 5 shows a plan view of various of the operating, parts, with theupper support plate removed; and is a horizontal section taken on thelines 5-5 of Figures 13 and 14, looking in the directions of the arrows;

Figure 6 shows a plan view corresponding to Figure 5, but with the tworeel supports removed, and with the bell crank which carries the presserroller and the tape guide removed; and is a horizontal section taken onthe lines S6 of Figures l3 and 14, looking in the directions of thearrows;

Figure '7 shows a plan view corresponding to Figures 5 and 6, but withthe reciprocable shiftable cam plate removed in addition to the partsremoved in previous figures; and is a horizontal section taken on thelines l---'! of Figures 13 and 14, looking in the directions of thearrows;

Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the recorder,

. and may be considered as a horizontal section taken on the line 8--8of Figures 13 and 14, looking upwardly in the directions of the arrows;

Figure 9- shows a horizontal section looking upwardly, and shows thebottom face of the floor of the compartment shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7;and is a horizontal section taken on the lines 9-9 of Figures 13 and 14,looking in the directions of the arrows;

Figure 10 shows a vertical section taken on the 3 lines Ill-10} ofFigures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9; looking in the directions of the arrows; andit shows particularly the constructions of the spindle mountings for thetwo reels;

Figure 11 shows a vertical section taken on the lines ll-ll of Figures5, 6, '7, 8 and 9, looking in the directions of the arrows; and itshowsparticularly the constructions of the roller carrying slides, andthe construction and journalling of the fiy-wheel, etc.;

Figure 12 shows a vertical section taken on the lines l2l2 of Figures 5,6, 7', 8 and 9, looking in the directions of the arrows; and it showsparticularly the constructions of the control rock shaft elements;

Figure 13 shows a right-hand end elevation of the elements shown inFigures to 12, inclusive;

Figure 14 shows a left-hand end elevation of the elements shown inFigures 5 to 12, inclusive;

Figure 15 shows a vertical detail section through a modifiedconstruction of the fly-wheel, the same being formed of cup shaped sheetmetal sections secured together, and with an insert of suitablethickness to impart the desired rotational inertia to this form offiy-wheel;

Figure 16 shows a vertical detail elevation of the Fast and Slow rockcontrol element, but of modified form in which said shaft is providedwith an operating lever or finger piece instead of the finger buttonshown in other figures;

Figure 1'7 shows a plan view corresponding to Figure 16;

Figure 18 shows a fragmentary detail of the slide guide bracket carriedby the bell-crank which also carries the presser roller and the tapeguide, and which guide slide prevents downward deflection of saidbell-crank and thus keeps the presser roller and the tape guide incorrect elevational position;

Figure 19 shows a vertical section taken on the line l9l9 of Figure 18,looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 20 shows a plan view of a typical roller carrying slide plate;

Figure 21 shows an edge view corresponding to Figure 20, and it shows bydashed lines the plate of the recorder on which this slide operates, bydotted lines, so as to show the manner of engagement of the slide withsuch plate;

Figure 22 shows an elevational view of one of the tape guide studs whichare located at the sides of the sensing head and tape guide ele-' ments;

Figure 23 shows a front elevation of a typical form of sensing head suchas illustrated in other figures herein; and

Figure 24 shows schematically a simple form of electrical circuit fordelivery of current to the drive motor, and this figure showsschematically the main control element rock shaft, and means to controlthe motor switch by the position of such main control element;

(Figures 5 to 14 are shown on approximately 2/3 scale, Figures 15, 16,1'7, 20 and 21 are shown on approximately full scale, Figures 18 and 19are shown on approximately one and one-half scale, Figure 22 is shown onapproximately double scale, and Figure 23 is also shown on approximatelydouble scale) and Figures 24 to 33, inclusive show schematically theprincipal elements of the present recorder in various operating andnon-operating positions,

and these figures show how the movements of ments as they control; andin these figures the following operating positions are indicated;

Figure '24, main control in Off position, supplemental control in Slowposition;

Figure 25, same as Figure 24, but with supplemental control in Fastposition;

Figure 26, main control in Rewind position, supplemental control in Slowposition;

Figure 27, same as Figure 26, but with supplemental control in Fastposition;

Figure 28, main control in Playing position, supplemental control inSlow position;

Figure 29, same as Figure 28, but with supplemental control in Fastposition;

Figure 30, main control in Slow Advance position (non-playing),supplemental control in Slow position;

Figure 31, same as Figure 30, but with supplemental control in Fastposition;

Figure 32, main control in Faster Advance position (non-playing),supplemental control in Slow position; and

Figure 33, same as Figure 32, but with supplemental control in Fastposition.

Referring'first to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the device therein shownincludes the two reels 54 and 52, the sensing head 53, the tape guide5t, and the two control buttons 55 and 56. These elements areconveniently supported above the top 2 plate 5? of the device, andforpurposes of illustration the device is shown as being carried by thefour posts 58, 59, 6D and ti. At this point I mention that I have notherein shown the detailsof such elements as electrical circuits used'afor amplifying and translating the electric si nals, nor the speakeror other unit for translating the amplified signals into sound waves,since such elements are all well known in this and related arts, andsince the present improvements may be used with many forms and detailsof such circuits and translating devices. I have, however, shown thesensing head 53 more or less schematically since this element isdirectly affected by the magnetic recordings carried by the tape whosemovements are effected and controlled by the present improvements. InFigure 23 I have shown this sensing unit in front elevation, and ondouble scale, so that the magnetic poles which are related to themagnetizable material carried by the tape may be seen. These are the twopole pieces 62 and 63 each of which is a thin vertical element. Thesepoles are separated somewhat from each other, and the pole G2 isinfluenced by the magnetic charges carried by the travelling tape, andthus the flux of this pole is continually influenced by the intensity ofthe magnetic record which is being translated; or conversely, in casethe device is to be used for making a recording of signals received froma sound translating element, such as a megaphone, this pole iscontmually changed in its intensity, and correspondingly the fluxdelivered by this pole serves to effeet. a recording on the tapetravelling past such pole. In other words, the improvements hereindisclosed may be used either for translating signals previously recordedon the tape, or said improvements may be used for recording the signals7 on a blank tape for translation at a later time either in this or someother recorder. The pole 63 of this sensing head may be energizedelectrically from a suitable source of current to produce a relativelystrong flux from said poleand when the tape ispassed in front of suchconstantly magnetized pole any signals previously recorded on the tapeand carried thereby will be erased according to well understoodprinciples. Thus the tape maybe cleared preparatoryto receiving a newset of signals, if desired.

The unit herein may be conveniently mounted in a suitable case orhousing, WhiChhOuSillg will also carry the needed electrical elementsand the speaker, .the electrical circuits, the megaphone, and variouselements required according to the details of the particular completerecording and translating unit with which my present improvements are tobe used. I do not herein show any such housing since it is not neededfor a proper understanding of my present improvements.

Generally the right-hand reel will be the Receiving reel, to which thetape is delivered 7 during translatingoperations, .and' the reel 52 willbe the Delivering reel, from which the tape is delivered fortranslation. During normaltrans- 'lating operations the reel 5! is to be.driven counterclockwise as shown by the arrow in Figure 1, during whichoperation the tape will travel from left to right past the sensing head,and from the reel 52 which reel 52 will also rotate counterclockwiseduring such operations. During this travel the amount of tape on thereel it will increase, with corresponding increase of the effectivediameter of windings on said reel; and during this operation the amountof tape onthe reel 52 will correspondingly decrease, with correspondingdecrease of :the effective diameter of windings on said real.By-providing means :to ,cause tapetravel at uniform rate pastthe sensinghead it is evident that the rotational speed Oftthe reel 51 willcontinually decrease, and the rotational speed of the reel 52 willcontinually increase, during normal translating operation.

As will presently appear, Ighave herein provided means to reverse theoperation, driving the reel 52 in clockwise direction, withoutdrive ofthe reel 5|, and during such operation the tape will travel from rightto left past the sensing head for rewinding purposes. At such times theelectrical connections ,to the Sensing head are generally madeineffective so that the re-winding will occur without translation.

The tape guide shown in Figures8 and .4 in- .cludes the two rearwardlyextending prongs :64 and .6 2 over which --the lower edge of the tapetravels; and also includes the channel shaped guide elements 66 and 57within which the tape travels. There is provided the verticalaxisspindie {58 which rotates on a fixed position axis slightly to theright of the sensing head; and the rotational direction of this spindleis counterclockwise so that tape pressed against the fol,

ward face of this spindle will be driven towards the right. A-presserroller t9 isprovided inadvance of this spindle. This presser roller isnot independently driven but when it is shifted Tea-r- ,wardly itengages the forward face of the tape directly in front of the spindle,thus bringing the tape in-to firm driving engagement with thespindle.Under such conditions the tape will be driven by the spindle towards theright at a speed determined by the rotational speed of such spindle.Shift of the presser roller towards the front of the device (towards theobserver in figures) will terminate such driving engagement between thetape and the spindle so that the tape can be moved independently of thespindle rotations. This spindle is thus driven counterclockwise, andnever needzbe drivenclockwise during tape travels.

Both the tape guide and the presser roller are mounted upon and carriedby a carrier which may e drawn towards the frontof theldevice (towardsthe observer) to thus carry the presser rolleriaway from its workingposition, and to provide a space between said roller and the spindle,and also to carry the tape guide away from the sensing head to thusprovide a space between said tape guide and sensing head elements. InFigures l, 3 and 4 the parts are shown in their Stop tape preparatory toa recording operation, or to allow for -removal of the tape from thedevice. It will be seen from examination of Figures 1, 2 and 4 that whenthe parts are in this position, the prongs 64 and 65 are nevertheless inposition to support thelloweredge of the tape, thus ensuring correctplacement of the tape during threading, orto ensure support of the tapeafter the control has been moved to its Stop position and until the tapecan be removed from the device.

The tape guide also includes the two somewhat soft beads 10 and "H whichare spring pressed rearwardly (towards the sensing head). Thisarrangement is such that when the tape guide is moved rearwardly towardsthe sensing ahead these beads willlpress against thefront :face of thetape at locations'opposite to the magnetic :poles 62 and 63 to thusensure good but smooth engagement of the rear (magnetizable) surface .ofthe tape with said pole pieces ,62 and 63, re-

spectively. These features constitute the elements of said other.application forpatent herein already referred to. 7

Located at the right and left sides of the elements 6,8 and 6S, and thetape guide, are the verticalposts orstuds "l2 and T3,,respectively.These are preferably so formed as to provide good guides over which thetape must'pass during its delivery to or from the reellfiii and to orfrom the .reel152 respectively. These studs are so located that the tapein passingover them when the presser roller and the tape guide 354 arein their forward positions will travel slightlyin advance of the sensing.head. That is, under these conditions the tape will not :be in contactwith the sensing head. However, when the tape guide and the presserroller are shifted rea-rwardly into operating positions the tape-will bedeflected slightly rearwardly to bring it into engagement with thesensing head and against the spindle, respectively. This relating of theparts ensures very convenient threading of the tape into position whenthe tape guide and the presser roller are in their forward or retractedpositions.

The control buttons are connected to elements which perform .-variouscontrol functions. The "button 55 may be rocked into either of fivepositions as shownin Figure l, a pointer M on said button indicating theposition to which said button has been moved. 'These positions are asfollows; R. W. (for rewind), S (for stop), P .(for play), A .(foradvance), and F. A. (for ,fasteradvance). The'button'fifi may be rockedinto either of two positions as shown in Figure 1,

.a pointer on .said button indicating the position to which said buttonhas been moved. These positions are as follows; S (for slow), and F (forfast); These two buttons are independently movable .to their severalpositions, so that two control conditions or sets of conditions are thuspossible. Detailed description of the present device will hereinaftershow that the following various conditions of operation may be effected:

1. With the button 55 in position S no drive is effected to either reel,and the tape guide and the presser roller are in forward (non-operating)position. Conveniently, also, provision may be made for cutting offcurrent from the driving motor when the button 55 is in this position.With said button in this position the button 56 may be moved to eitherof its positions without effect in either position. With button 55 inthe S position reel is braked.

2. By moving the button 55 to the R. W. position the reel 52 is drivenat fast rate in the clockwise direction for fast rewind. Under theseconditions no drive is effected to the reel 5i which is thus free torotate clockwise for delivery of tape leftwardly, and during thiscondition both the presser roller and the tape guide are in theirforward or released positions. Thus, during rewind at fast rate the tapeis not in contact with the sensing head. However, during this operationthe reel 5! is subject to normal frictional resistance to rotation. Withthe button 55 in its R. position the button 56 may be moved to either ofits positions but without exertin control over the rate of rewinding.

3. By moving the button 55 to the P position the reel 51 is drivencounterclockwise for travel of the tape towards the right from the reel52 to the reel 5!. With said button 55 in this P position both the tapeguide and the presser roller are shifted rearwardly to bring the tapeinto translating position against the sensing head, and to ensuredriving engagement of the tape with the spindle. Under these conditionssaid spindle is also driven counterclockwise for tape feed towards theright. The rate of drive of the spindle will then be determined by theposition of the button 55 either slow or fast according to the positionS or F of said button. During these operations both of the reel brakesare released, but both of said reels are subject to frictionalresistance durin drive.

4. Bymoving the button 55 to the A position the reel 5| is drivencounterclockwise but both the tape guide and the presser roller are intheir forward or non-operative positions. Also the brake is set on thereel 52 thus imposing a brake drag on said reel. The amount of this dragmay be made such that although such drag serves to retain the tape ingood taut condition the drive to the reel 5i may be sufiiciently strongto overcome such drag and thus to ensure forward advance of the tape,but without translation to the sensing head. Such forward advance mayserve to bring a desired portion of the tape record into sensingposition rapidly, and without need of playing all of the recordingcontained on the tape thus advanced past the sensing head. The rate ofsuch forward advance may be controlled by the button 55 for either S(slow) or F (faster). This faster advance is effected by use of theelements normally used for drive of the reel 5|, as will presentlyappear.

5. By moving the button 55 to the F. A. position the reel 5i is drivencounterclockwise but with both the tape guide and the presser roller intheir forward or non-operative positions. In this position the brake forthe reel 52 is released so that it exerts no drag against tape advance.With the button 55 in this position the drive to the reel Si is eifectedthrough a special intermediate friction drive roller or idler, and notthrough the friction drive to said reel 5! which is normally used. Underthese conditions the rate of drive of the reel 5! may be made greaterthan any previously mentioned operating condition, even with the button56 in its S or slow position. Then, by shifting said button 56 to its For faster position the rate of rotation of the reel 5% may be stillfurther increased so as to enable very' fast tape advance. All suchadvancements of the tape with the button 55 in its F. A. position willbe effected while the tape guide and the presser roller are in retractedor forward, inoperative positions.

It is thus evident that I have made provision for either of two playingspeeds, for several rates of tape advance without playing, for rewindingthe tape, and for stopping all operations, depending on the severalpositions to which the buttons 55 and 55 are set. I shall now describethe means whereby these several operations are effected:

Conveniently the main operative parts are accommodated within a chassisso that said parts may be readily assembled and adjusted into operativecondition prior to insertion of such chassis Within the recorderhousing. This chassis includes the channel section it having the floor Hand the front and back flanges 75 and 19. This chassis is provided withthe corner posts 55, 59, (i5 and 5! which may be set onto suitablesupporting means of the housing (not illustrated). A plate depends fromthe floor of this channel, being secured to the channel by the fourposts BI, 82, 83 and M, and accurately spaced from the channel floor bythe sleeves 85 located on said posts. A plate 85 is set onto the upperfaces of the channel flanges i8 and i5, being secured theretoconveniently. This plate 56 serves to support various of the operatingelements.

The two reels 5! and 52 are provided with center holes according toconventional practice, and the chassis is provided with the verticalposts 87 and 85* which extend up beyond the plane of the plate 56 andonto which these reels may be set and centered. A top plate 5? islocated just above the plate 85 and is preferably of larger size thanthe chassis, overhanging the channel element 76 both at front and back,and at both sides. This top plate may be secured directly to the channelflanges or to elements carried thereby. This top plate is provided withopenings and 9! concentric with the two centering posts 81 and 85 suchopenings being of considerable size as shown in Figure 3, for example.The inverted cup-shaped elements 52 and 53 are provided for the tworeels and for the posts 8? and 88 The forms of these cup elements arewell shown in section in Figure 10. The element 87 includes the uppersmaller cup portion M from the lower portion of which there extendsoutwardly the cylindrical flange 95, and from the lower portion of thiscylindrical flange there extends the outwardly extending flange oflarger diameter than the opening 95; and from the outer edge of thisflange 95 there extends downwardly the cylindrical flange 93'. The cupelement 88 is of similar form to that of the ele ment 81, justdescribed, and its elements are similarly numbered, but with thesuiflxes a thereon. It is here noted, however, that the flange 9% of theelement 813 is of less vertical dimension than the corresponding flange91 of the element 8'! for reasons which will presently appear.

The element 8'! is provided with the inside plate 98 which is secured tothe top portion 94 of the ement 81 by th shor s ee e Who e u pe andlower ends are riveted in place as shown in end of the sleeve I00 toprovide in effect athrust bearing to carry the load imposed from above.A circular plate I03 is riveted to the upper end of this enlarged endI332 and underlies the .plate 98 of the element 8?; but a circular bandor ring of suitable friction material, such as felt, .Iii l is securedto the under face of the plate ,98. This band rests on the upper face ofthe plate see and the load imposed by the weight of the element 81,together with the reel 5! and its contained tape (or wire) istransmitted to the plate L03 through the medium of this friction band orelement :IM. Thus there may be transmitted between the element 3'! andthe sleeve IllI a torque depending in amount on the friction of the bandL04 against the plate I03 as determined by the weight load thussupported. By driving thelowerend of .the sleeve I M the element Elmaybe driven, but with a limit of torque as allowed by this friction drive.Or, contrarily, when the sleeve IOI is retained against rotation, thereel may nevertheless be rotated, with rotation of the element ill, byproducing a torque sufficient to overcome such friction drive. It ishere noted that the studs I05 and I96 extend up from the top faces 94and 9.4? of the e1ements in and S8, and the reels 5| and 52 are providedwith corresponding notches oreng-ageable portions, I 8'! and H18 so thatdrive is effected between the elements .8! and 8,8, and the reels 5i and52, respectively. However, this arrangement permits ready placement orremoval of the reels with respect to the elements 31 and 58, asrequired.

The lower portion of the sleevelili has secured to it the pulley Hill bywhich said sleeve may be driven to effect drive of the element 8'! (andthe f overcome the friction of such drive; such special l 14 At thispoint I mentioned that the reel 52 carried by the element88 is normallythe Delivery reel from which tape is drawn during translationoperations, at which times this reel is subjected to a frictionalresistance as already explained. However, during Rewind this reel is tobe driven in opposite direction. Toeifect these sevdrive directly to theelement 8'! being effected by drive to the flange portion 91 of suchelement. This will presently appearin detail.

The stud '8'! is provided with a downward extension I Id which reachesthrough the sleeve It! but the sleeve is free to rotate with respecttosuch extension.

The element 93 has secured to its top portion 94 in rigid fashion thecircular plate ,I I I. This securing is effected by meansof the tubularrivet eral results the element 88 is so iournalled that normally itrotates on a fixed vertical axis; but when rewind is to be effected thisaxis is shifted slightly to bring said element 8.8 into drivingengagement with the drive for such rewind. Accordingly, I have providedthe plate II4 which sets onto the floor TI of the channel, and ,may beshifted slightly back and forth 0 S id fio or, as willpresently appear.Also, this plate IIA conveniently comprises one of the slide plates orbrackets presently to be described in detail; but at this point Imention the movability of such plate IIA for the reason alreadyexplained.

A hub element II5 is riveted to the plate I I44. Said hub elementextends down through an open ing in the floor I1; and as shown in Figure'7 and 9, this opening I I6 is formed witha slanting portion II'I .sothat movement of the hub along the opening (during change from oneoperating condition to another) will cause lateral movementof the hub,or movement in suchspecial directionas needed, as will presently appear.The studilil is provided with a downward extension II-Bwhich extendsinto the hub- H5, and may be secured to the hub ,asby a setscrew orotherwise. Thus said stud is rigidly connected to and carried by theplate IIA whose position is in turn controlled by the form of theslotted opening II;6 I I]. Thus, too, the element 88 and the reelcarried thereby are controlled as to position by the form of suchslotted opening.

The plate I14 has its top face provided with a suitable friction surfacesuch as the feltring .I I9, and the plate II which is riveted to theelement 88 rests on and is carried by such friction sur" face element.Since the plate I I4 cannot rotate, the friction surface or linin isalso retained against rotation, and thus the rotation of the reel,together with the element 33 and the plate ,II I must result indevelopment pf a frictional resistance in the form of a torque resistingrotation of the reel. The extent of this resistance will depend amongother things on the weight infiposed against the friction elernent bythe plate I I I, such weight being due to the weight of the element 88,the reel, and the tape or wire cone tained on the reel. Normally thisreel is the Delivery reel from which tape is drawn to feed past thesensing head and to the Receiving reel and during such normal operationsthe frictional resistance thus developed will ensure that the tape willbe retained taut and in good form as it passes the sensing head.However, during Rewind the reel 52 and element 8 8 must be rotatedreversely. Means are provided for effect.- ing such reverse rotation andfor overcoming the frictional resistance imposed by the constructionsalready disclosed.

The spindle 58 comprises the upper end portion of the shaft IZI! (bestshown in Figure 11). A bearing element I2i is extended through the plate86, being conveniently riveted thereto as shown in Figure 11, and theshaft I20 is jQllrnailed in this hearing. Another self centering andaligning bearing element I22 is carried by the plate 89, the shaftextending through this bearing I22 also, and on down to aposition bel wsaid Plat as T such le er an q tt en .q

the shaft there is connected or carried apinion element I23, preferablyof rubber, and grooved to receive a suitable driving belt or the like,I24.

This pinion is aligned with the pulley I09, so

that during rotation of the shaft I20 (and the spindle 68), drive iseffected to the pulley I09 and thus to the plate I03 which carries thering shaped friction element I6 5. Thus, during spindle drive there isdeveloped a frictional drive to the element 81 which carries the reelbut slip can occur whenever needed by overcoming the amount of torquedeveloped by this friction drive. I During playing the tape is deliveredtowards the right ata rate proportionate to the rate of spindlerotation. The driving engagement of the tape against the spindle is atall times great enough to ensure that control of tape movement shall beunder the jurisdiction of this spindle, regardless of take-off pullbeing exerted by the reel 87 during such'operation. I have alreadymentioned the presser roller 69 by which the tape is brought and pressedagainst the spindle, and this roller is, at proper times, pressedtowards the spindle under a sufficiently large spring force to ensurethe foregoing result.

The partsare so proportioned that the rotationalrate of the pulley Hi9,and the plate I03, are high enough, with respect to the correspondingrotational rate of the spindle, to require that slip shall occur betweenthe said plate I03 and the elementM, even when the reel is practicallycompletely empty of tape (or. wire), under which conditions theeffective diameter of such reel will be least. Then, as tape is woundonto such reel during translation or otherwise, the effective diameterof such reel will increase, with corresponding increase in the rate ofslip.

It may here'be noted that for a given weight of the reel (and theelement 81) there is developed a basic amount of torque due to thisfriction drive; and the pull which will be'exerted on the tape will beproportionate to such torque and inversely proportionate to theeffective diameter of the reel. As the amount of tape wound on the reelincreases the weight increases, thus increasing the friction driveeffect and torque; but at the same time the effective diameter increasesso that as a result there is a tendency to produce a balance betweenincrease of torque and increase of effective diameter, withcorresponding tendency to reduce the otherwise large increase in tapepull which would thus occur. As a matter of fact the increase in weightwill be more or less according to the square of the increase ineffective diameter, so that there will be some increase in pull.However, the spindle serves at all times to exert complete control overthe rate of tape movement.

The shaft I20 carries a flywheel I25 between the bearings IZI and I22.This flywheel is thus located between the plates 86 and Bil, and anopening I26 is provided in the floor II of the channel element toaccommodate the flywheel, which is of axial dimension to extend bothabove and below such floor. Thus the flange I21 of such flywheel isexposed at locations both above and below such floor. At this point Imention that drive is always effected to such flywheel during alloperations except during rewind, so that drive is effected to thespindle and to the plate Hi3 during all operating conditions exceptrewind. Also, under certain operating conditions included in theforegoing operations the drive to the element 81 is effected through themedium of thefriction drive already discussed,

but under certain other operating conditions the drive from the flywheelto the element 81 is effected without use of such friction drive, and byshunting the same; This will presently appear.

Provision is made for directly braking either of the elements 81 or 88for reasons already explained. Such braking actions are effected byengagement of braking shoes against the flanges 97 and 91 of theelements 87 and 88, respectively. In Figures 5, 6 and 7 these shoes arewell shown, and they also appear in other figures. These are the brakeshoes I28and I29 for the elements 8'! and 88, respectively. Convenientlythese shoes are made of compacted felt or the like, cemented orotherwise secured to the free ends I30 and ISI of bell-cranks I32 andI33. Each of these bell-cranks includes the arm to which the shoe iscemented, and also another arm, I3 or I35, as the case may be, whichlies rather close to the floor I'I and reaches inwardly a distancesufficient to exert a control on such arm, as will presently appear. Theelbows of these bellcranks are journalledon the studs I36 and I3I whichextend upwardly from the floor II a suf- I ficient distance, as wellshown in Figures 11 and 12, and elsewhere. The shoe carrying arms ofthese bell-cranks are provided with lugs I38 and I39 which also lieclose to the floor TI and extend inwardly some distance, as well shownin Figures 6 and 7, and elsewhere. Tension springs I46 and MI areconnected to these lugs and are anchored to studs I42 and I43 extendingupwardly somewhat from the floor 'I'I. Thus there is at all timesdeveloped a spring force urging both of the brakes to their set orbraking positions; and such braking forces are of such magnitude as maybe needed to ensure good braking operation according to the principlesherein set forth.

Means are provided for forcing these brakes to their inoperative ornon-braked positions at proper times, as will hereinafter appear. It ishere to be noted that in the case of the reel 52 both the brake shoesI29 and the friction drag of the plate II I against the element H9produce a cumulative braking effect when said brake shoe I29 is set.That is, when said brake shoe is set its braking effect is added to thebraking or dragging effect constantly being exerted by the element H9.This brake for the element 88 (and reel 52) is to be used or set whenneed be to restrain and control the parts after a fast Advancingoperation, in which the tape has been run towards'the right at a fastrate and is to be suddenly slowed or stopped. In such case the brakingof the element 88 and reel 52 will prevent over-running of such reel,with corresponding excessive delivery of tape faster than required bythe reel In (which, in such an operation may have been actually stoppedquickly).

In case of a sudden or rapid decrease of rate of tape travel towards theleft a different set of conditions is seen to exist. In this case thebraking should be effected on the right hand reel 5!, and its element87, without special braking of the element 88 for the reel 52, so as toen sure that the tape shall be retained under tension, and withoutover-run. Such a fast travel of the tape towards the left would havebeen occurring during a rewind, under which conditions tape would bedrawn from the reel 5I rotating clockwise at possibly high speed. Uponsuddenly reducing the speed of the reel 52, or even stopping said reel,by the friction developed by the elements III-I I9, there might be aserious over-running of the reel with corresponding improper delivery oftape after the drawing effect of the reel 52 had ceased. Suchover-running tendency of the reel 5I would be somewhat lessened by thefrictional engagement of the plate 98 with the friction surface I64,provided that the rotational rate of the reel EI and element 81 had beengreater than the rotational rate of the pulley I59. During rewind thepulley I09 is stationary, drive being effected directly to the elements88 as will presently appear, so there will be a continuous frictionaldrag or resistance to reel rotation during such rewind, and at suddentermination or slowing of such rewind this resistance at the element 87will tend to retain the tape taut. However, experience has shown thateven under these conditions it is desirable to provide for the specialbraking action; and the setting of the brake I28 effects this result.

A bell-crank I44 is pivoted to a post I45 which is secured to the floor1?. Such pivoting is effected by securing a sleeve I46 to the bell-crankat its knee, and then journalling such sleeve on the post. This sleevethus also serves to retain the bell-crank at the proper elevation abovethe floor 11. The left-hand or free end of this bell-crank rocks backand forth between the fly-- wheel shaft (and spindle) position, and thefront flange of the channel, I8; and said bellcrank is located and rocksin a plane near the upper portion of the channel, and slightly be lowthe plate 86. The tape guide 54 is secured to this bell-crank by screwsextended through slots 14? in the flange I48 of the tape-guide element,such screws threadin into'the holes I49 of the bell-crank. The presserroller 59 is journalled on a stud I59 extending up from the bell-crankat a position such as to ensure proper co-operation between such presserroller and the spindle. This presser roller comprises a cylindrical bodyelement carrying a rubber or like surfacing so as to give firm butslightly ieldable pressing contact against the tape when the presserroller is in its operative position.

The bell-crank is to be rocked back and forth to carry the tape guideand the presser roller into and out of operative positions. A tensionspring I5I has one end anchored to the rear flange I9 and its free endconnected to the ear i52 on the left-hand end of the bell-crank. Thisspring thus constantly urges the bell-crank rearwardly, tending to carrythe tape guide and the presser roller into operative positions. Thebell-crank includes the short, forwardly extending arm H53 which isdepressed slightly below the plane within which the main arm of thebell-crank rocks. A link I54 has its right-hand end pivoted to the frontend of the short arm I53, said link extending leftwardly at a locationclose to the front flange I8 of the channel. Means, presently to bedisclosed, are provided for urging this link rightward when the tapguide and the presser roller are to be shifted forward, such rightwardlink movement being against the urging of the spring I5 I.

The plate 85 carries the sensing head, as shown in Figure 4, amongothers. The tape guide extends upwardly through an opening I55 in theplate 86, and the presser roller extends upward- 'ly through a slot I56in said plate 86, or as shown, the stud on which said roller isjournalled extends through said slot, with the roller proper locatedabove the elevation of the plate 86. Both the opening I55 and the slotI55 are of such shape and size as to accommodate the necessary movementsexecuted by the back and forth movements of the tape guide and thepresser roller. In order to support the left hand end portion of thebell-crank against depression, and to thus assist in maintaining goodalignment of the tape guide with the sensing head, and the presserroller with the spindle, I have shown the small block I51 secured to thetop face of the bell-crank and overlyin the left hand edge of the plate86 at the opening I55, the right-hand edge of such block being undercutto enable such overlie. This detail is well shown in Figures 18 and 19.To ensure smooth back and forth rock of the bell-crank, and to furthercontrol possible slight up and down deflections of said element, I haveshown the antifriction metal, relatively large head rivets I58 securedto the bell-crank near the location of the presser roller and said blockI51. These rivets will ride against the under face of the plate 86 incase of slight rise of the bell-crank, thus limiting such rise andeffecting control of the bell-crank upwardly.

The top plate 89 is provided with a relatively large opening I59 toaccommodate the sensing head, the spindle, the tape guide, and thepresser roller, since all of these elements extend upwardly from beneaththe level of such top plate 89.

A vertical shaft drive motor I68 is located beneath the plate 80, and issecured to a rectangular plate I6I. This plate IGI is in turn secured tothe plate by means of anti-vibration, rubber type washer elements, I62of well known design. These anti-vibration elements serve to damp outmotor vibrations and thus to ensure more faithful interpretation of therecorder operations.

The motor shaft I63 extends upwardly through the plates IGI and 8B, andthrough the floor TI. end portion of this motor shaft, and extendsthrough the floor IT. The opening in the floor TI is shown at I65, andis of size to accommodate this drive head with suitable clearance, asshown in Figures 5, 6 and '7, in particular. The openings in the platesIBI and 38 are also of size sufficient to pass this drive head so thatthe motor and drive head as an assembly may be readily set into place asa unit.

This drive head includes three distinct driving surfaces. These are asfollows: A small diameter surface I66 on its lower portion, such surfaceI66 being located just below the floor I1, and two surfaces I6! and I58of larger diameter located above the floor H, such surfaces of largerdiameter being at different elevations. All of these surfaces are shownat least in part in Figure 14, and some of them are shown also in otherfigures. Examination of Figure 11 in particular shows that the uppersurface I65! lies within the plane which also includes the flange 91 ofthe element 88 upon Which the reel 52 is carried; and this fact ispertinent to the drive of said reel 52 in reverse direction forrewinding operations, as will presently become evident.

In order to effect the desired drives from the motor drive head I64 forvarious purposes the following driving combinations are to be made: Fromthe small diameter surface I66 to the flywheel surface through themedium of an idler pulley; or, from the larger diameter surface I6 tothe fly-wheel surface through the medium of A drive head I64 is securedto the upper.

an idler pulley; or, directly from the larger diameter surface I68 tothe flange of the element 88. It will at once be seen that thesecombinations will produce either low speed rotation of the fly-wheel andthe spindle, and correspondingly low speed drive of the element 87 forthe reel through the means of the belt and pulley drive, or higher speedrotation of the fly-wheel and the spindle, and correspondingly higherspeed drive of the element 8'! through the means of the belt and pulleydrive, orhigh speed drive of the element 88 for the reel 52 by directdrive means. It will also be seen that for either such low speed orhigher speed drive conditions to the fly-wheel and spindle the element8? and reel 5| will be driven in the same rotational direc tion sincethese elements are connected together by the belt and pulley drive, andin each case the drive from the drive head I66 is effected through themedium of an idler. During these operations no drive is being made tothe flange 91 of the element 88, since during these operations the shaftor stud Bit -415 is not shifted laterally to bring said flange into egagement with the surface I63. However, as another operation, when thefly-Wheel and spindle, and element 81 are not being driven, the stud 88-li5 may be shifted slightly to bring the flange Sl into engagement withthe drive surface W8 without interposition of an idler, so that underthese conditions the element 88 and reel 52 will be driven in reversedirection and at higher speed, for rewinding operations.

As a further condition of operation for which provision has been madethe following is here 5!, when driving from the fly-wheel, provision hasbeen made for direct interposition of an idler between the fly-wheel andthe flange 9? of the element 87, under which condition the frictiondrive is shunted, and the ratio of speeds of the fly-wheel and theelement 87 becomes the ratio 3 of fly-wheel diameter compared todiameter of the flange 8?. This ratio is much greater than that existingbetween the pinion E23 and the pulley Hi9. It is here noted that thishigher speed drive condition is effected by changing the ratio of drivefrom the fly-wheel to the flange or to the element 3?, and in this case,also, the fly-wheel itself may be driven from either the smallerdiameter surface I56 or the larger diameter surface E67 already referredto.

To effect the foregoing various drives the following means is provided:

An idler pulley I89 is provided (at the bottom side of the floor 7?)which is normally set over into the position shown in Figure 9, forexample. This idler can be shifted sli htly in diagonal direction toeffect drive from the small diameter surface H66 to the fly-wheel.Another idler pul ley HE! is provided just above the floor H which isnormally set over into the position shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, forexample. This idler can be shifted slightly in diagonal direction toeffect drive from the larger diameter surface it] to the fly-wheel.Another idler pulley Ill is provided just above the floor ll which. i nom fl set over into the position shown in Figures 5, 6 and '7, forexample. This idler can be shifted slightly in diagonal direction toeffect drive from the fly-wheel direct to the flange 9? of the element8'! for the reel 5L It has been stated that the stud 88 for the element88 for the reel 52, can be shifted slightly. This stud and thecorresponding parts are shown in normal position in Figures 6, '7 and 9,for example. By shifting this stud slightly in diagonal direction theflange ill of the element 88 is brought into direct engagement with thelarger diameter surface I68 for drive of the element 88 in reversedirection (there being no idler interposed), and at relatively highspeed for rewind.

All of these idlers are preferably of rubber or are provided with rubberdriving surfaces as indicated in the several figures. It is noted thatboth of the driving surfaces 166 and iii? of the drive element of themotor are indicated as being of metal, and also that the fly-wheelsurface is also of metal. Thus, drive of the fly-wheel from either ofsaid surfaces IE6 or it? is from metal to rubber to metal, bringingmetal and rubber together in each instance. It is also noted that thehigher surface H58 of the drive head of the motor is shown as rubber, sothat when driving the element 38 by direct drive for rewind such driveis effected by rubber to metal engagement. It is also seen that theidler ill is rubber surfaced, and it engages the metal surfaces of thefly-wheel and the flange 97 of the element 81. Thus there is alsoprovided a metal to rubber to metal drive in this case also.

Each of the idlers ESQ, H0 and if! is carried by a slide plate to whichit is journalled and by the movement of which slide plate the idlersposition is controlled. Such a typical slide plate is shown inapproximately full scale in Figures 20 and 21. Description of thistypical slide plate will be indicative of the constructions of theothers, except as I may make special description thereof.

This slide plate H2 is elongated, and the stud H3 is secured to theapproximate central portion of the plate, as by rivet ng. The wheel areis journalled on said stud, and the exact elevation or spacing of suchwheel from the plates surface may be determined by the washer or sleeve1'35 interposed. Reference to Figure 11 shows two of these idler wheelsin section. It will there be seen that each idler wheel includes acentral flange portion lying within a plane close to one facial edge ofthe rim of the wheel, and also includes a circular flange portionconnected to such central flange portion but offset so as to lie withina plane close to the other facial edge of the rim of the wheel.Therefore, by using a washer of selected size, and by setting the wheelonto the stud in one or the other condition (either with its centralflange portion towards or away from the surface of the plate I72) it ispossible to bring the driving peripheral surface of the wheel intoeither of two positions, either close to the surface of the plate orfurther therefrom Both of the washers H5 and H6.

At one end the typical slide is provided with an endwise extended lugI'II which is relatively narrow, and the two ears I19 and I79 projectlaterally from this lug. These ears are separated from the end I89 ofthe body of the plate to provide the notched openings [SI and I82. Thetypical slide is also provided with the laterally extending ears I83 andI94 near its opposite end and at opposite sides of the slide. Each ofthese ears is also of approximately the same projected size as the widthof the lug [11. Examination of Figure 21 shows that near its end I99,and also near each of the ears the plate is slightly offset so that suchoffsets, I35, I39 and i8? may rest against a surface such as I88 (shownby dashed line in Figure 21), thus ensuring a three point support forthe slide plate, and also reducing its frictional engagement with thesur face I88 to a minimum amount. Each of the ears I83 and I84 then isdeflected away from the plane of the plate I12 by an amount slightlymore than the thickness of a floor or plate on which the slide is towork. These deflections are shown at I89 and I99 respectively, in Figure2].. They permit engagement of the lugs or ears with the back oropposite face of that plate on which the slide is slidably mounted.Likewise, the lug IT! is provided with the deflection I9I at thelocation of the notches I 8i and E82 so that the lateral ears I19 andI19 may underlie the surface of that plate on which the slide is beingsupported. All of these ears serve to retain the slide in place on theplate whereon it operates, but prevent the slide from becomingdisengaged from such plate unintentionally. Nevertheless the arrangementis such that, when desired, the slide may be readily set into or removedfrom its operative position on the carrier plate. This will presentlyappear. The lug Ill has its end portion further deflected outwardly fromthe plane of the slide to provide the ear portion I92 to which may beattached a tension spring.

A slide plate such as just typically described is proivded for each ofthe idler rollers I69, H9 and HI. These are the slides I93, I94 and I95,respectively. A similar slide comprises the plate I I 4 which carriesthe hub M5 for the stud 89 onto which the reel 88 is placed. It is herenoted that the slide I93 operates against the bottom face of the floor'II, whereas both of the slides I94 and I95 operate against the top faceof said fioor.

Suitable slotted openings are provided in the floor 1'! to accommodatethe various ears and lugs of these slides, so that said slides may heset into place, and so that when in place they will be retained againstunintentional removal from the floor. These slots are also so formedthat the slides may be readily inserted and removed with respect to thefloor by special movements of the slides during such operations. For theslide I95 there are provided the three slotted openings I96, I91 and I98for the ears I83 and I84, and for the lug I'I'I of said slide. Each ofthe openings I96 and I97 includes a broad portion I96 or I9? as the casemay be which merges with an elongated narrower portion. The slottedopening I99 for the lug IT! is slightly longer than the width of thecorresponding lug I'll, measured over the ears I18 and I19 thereof. Suchbeing the case it is possible to insert the said lug endwise throughsuch slotted opening but with the slide rocked through ninety degreesfrom the plane of the floor plate, so as to move the ears to theopposite side of such floor plate. Thereafter the slide may be rotatedback into position to cause the ears to extend outwardly at the sides ofthe slot, and the slide may at the same time be rocked downwardly intoparallelism with respect to the floor plate, thus causing the ears toproject outwardly or laterally at the two sides of the slot, and thuslocking that end of the slide in place. Then, by shifting the slideendwise to bring its cars into registry with the laterally enlargedportions I96 and I91 the slide may be dropped into engagement with thefloor surface on the three point contact engagement, and with the earsat the opposite face of the floor plate. Then the slide may be shiftedendwise (as by its spring, presently to be described), thus completingthe locking operation. The spring tends at all times to maintain theslide in its endwise moved position, with the ears both engaged with theopposite face of the floor, and with the ears moved away from thelateral enlargements I96 and I91 so that there can never be a naturaltendency for the slide to become disengaged from the floor plate.Furthermore, the endwise movements normally exeouted by any slide duringshift of its roller between the two positions of such roller are notsufficient to bring the ears again into registry with the lateralenlargements I96 and IS'I' so there is no possibility of the slidebecoming disengaged during such normal operations.

Examination of Figures 6, '7 and 9, in particular shows that one of theslots for the slide I93 (at the bottom face of the floor plate) mergeswith the slot for the slide I94 (at the top face of the fioor plate, butstill such merged slot is of such form as to allow for insertion of therespective slides, and locking of them in place, according to theprinciples so far described.

There are provided the tension springs I99 and 299 for the two slidesI93 and I99, and ZGI for the slide I95. These springs are connected tothe end portions of the lugs I I! of the respective slides, and saidsprings are suitably anchored to stationary parts of the device, such asthe lugs 202 and 293 struck from the floor plate, or the flange I9 ofthe channel section. These springs tend to urge the respective slides indirections to carry their idler rollers into engagement with thecorresponding rotating elements; and I have provided means to controlthe various slide movements as required to cause the device to executethe several kinds of operations already mentioned.

The slide plate II which carries the hub element M5 for the stud 88 ofthe element 88 is provided with ears and with an end lug similar tothose corresponding elements already described, so special descriptionthereof is not necessary. However the hub N5 of this slide plate extendsdown through a slotted opening N9 of the fioor plate which has alreadybeen referred to, and which slotted opening has the portion I I9extending parallel to the length of the slide, and merging with anangular portion I I! which slants towards the drive head of the motorshaft as well shown in Figures 7 and 9. Also, the slotted opening 294for the end lug of this slide plate is straight in. the direction of theslides length, so

that during endwise travel of such slide plate that end of the slideplate must travel in a straight line. However, both of the slottedopenings 295 and 296 for the two ears of this slide plate are laterallyenlarged on slanting lines, as well shown in Figures '7 and 9, so thatduring slide movement with the hub portion I I 5 engaged with theslotted opening I IS, the outer end of the slide (that portion adjacentto the ears) may shift laterally as dictated by the slanting portion ofthe slotted opening. Thus said slide may execute lateral shift undercontrol of the slotted openings shape, during endwise shift of suchslide. Such lateral shift will cause the stud 88 (carrying the reel) toexecute a movement to carry the flange 91 directly towards the largediameter section we of the motor drive head, so that driving engagementbetween the flange and such driving surface will be effected under themost advantageous conditions.

Means are provided for controlling the various slide plates, thebell-crank and the brakes to bring them into proper positions forperforming each of the various functions already explained. Such meansare as follows:

A reciprocable sliding cam plate 26]? extends across the front portionof the channel adjacent to the front flange 1B thereof. This cam plateis carried by four posts 258, 209, 2lll and 2H secured to the floor Ti,each post being shouldered near its top and provided With a reduced topend which extends through a corresponding slOt of the slide plate. Theseare the slots 2l2, 2E3, 254 and 2 l5. Suitable screws retain the slideplate in position on said posts. It will be noted that this slide plateextends to the right far enough to control the brake for the element 8?and far enough to the left to control the brake for the element 83,other controls being efiected by the intermediate portions of the slideplate.

The control buttons and 56 are carried by the upper ends of verticalrock shafts 2 l6 and 2 i respectively, which rock shaft are journalledin the plate 86 by the bushings 2l8 and 2m, and are journalled in theplate or floor ll by the bushings 220 and 22!. A longitudinallyextending slot 222 of the slide cam plate 261 accommodates the shaft 2H6and is of length sufficient to permit the needed back and forthmovements of such cam plate. In Figure 6 there is shown a rearwardextension 223 of this slot whose function will presently appear. At itsleft-hand portion this cam plate is so formed that it lies completely tothe rear of the shaft 2|! for all back and forth movements of the camplate.

An arcuate plate 225 is secured to the shaft 2i6 above the cam plate261, as well shown in Figures 5, 12 and 13, and others. This plate hasthe downwardly extending stud 225 which works in the rearward slotextension 223, so that by rocking the shaft 2l6 through approximately120 degrees the slide cam plate will be caused to execute a completetraverse from one extreme position to the other. During such rockingmovement the stud never leaves the extension slot 223 so that control ofthe slide cam plate is never lost. The front edge of this arcuate plate22 has its front edge provided with a series of notches 226corresponding to the several operating positions to which the button 55and the rock shaft 2 l 6 are to be set; and a stiff leaf spring 22'! hasits free end suitably formed to drop successively into these notches forclicking therein, and to indicate to the operator the correct buttonpositions for selected operations. The right-hand edge portion'of thisarcuate plate is provided with a circular formed contour, which is,however, provided with a depressed portion 228; and a stud 229 extendsdown from the link 5 which connects to the short bell-crank arm as wellshown in Figure 5 and elsewhere. The spring I 5| already referred tourges the long arm of the bell-crank rearwardly, thus tending to shiftthe link 54 leftwardly, to retain the stud 229 in engagement with theedge portion of the arouate plate 224. also slotted or notched as shownat 230 to receive the rock shaft 2 l 6, so that the link is maintainedin proper leftward alignment; and this notch is long enough toaccommodate the full back and forth movements executed by the link. Itwill be observed that the tendency of the spring l5l is to maintain atall times a rearward shifting tendency on the bell-crank, thus alsotending to press the presser roller against the spindle under springpressure. The tape guide is also thus shifted rearwardly to its workingposition. The parts are so proportioned that pressing engagement of thepresser roller against the face of the tape will occur unde springpressure at all times during Playing, the depth of the notchordepressed'portion 228 ensuring this possibility.

The right-hand rear portion of the edge of the slide cam plate 20'! isprovided with a zone 23! for control of the brake shoe I28. This zone isparallel to the direction of slide movement with the exception of ashort depression 232; and a stud 233 extends up from the arm l l of thisbrake into position for engagement with the edge of the slide cam platewithin the zone 23!. When the slide has moved to position where saiddepression 232 registers with the stud the brake arm is allowed to rockcounterclockwise under the urging of the spring I40, to thus set thebrake, it being noted that the extent of depression is such as to ensuregood braking engagement of the shoe I28 against the flange 97 whenneeded.

To the left of the zone 23! there is another cam zone 236. This zoneincludes the low portion 235 and the high portion 236 connected by theslanting portion 231; and the slide plate i is provided with theupwardly extending stud 238 which engages with this zone 23-! of theslide cam plate. The sections of this zone 234 are so located as toensure correct functioning of the slide plate hi5; it being noted thatthe spring 26! urges said slide plate to position to maintain the stud238 in engagement with said zone 234 atall times, and that the extent ofstud movement in passing between the high and low portions is sufiicientto ensure that the idler roller l'll shall be retained in engagementwith the fiy-wheel and with the flange of the element Bl under springpressure developed by the spring 253i when the low portion 235 is inoperative position with respect to the stud. When the high portion is inoperative position the stud is moved far enough to carry the idlerroller completely away from both the fly-Wheel and the flange 97.

The left-hand rear portion of the edge of the slide cam plate 2&1 isprovided with a zone 239 for control of the brake shoe I29. This zone isparallel to the direction of slide movement with the exception of ashort depresson 2 3i]; and a stud 2 H extends up from the arm l35 ofthis brake into position for engagement with the edge of the slide camplate within the zone 239. When the slide has moved to position wheresaid depression 245 registers with the stud the brake arm is allowed torock clockwise under the urging of the spring Hll, to thus set thebrake, it being noted that the extent of depression is such as to ensuregood braking engagement of the shoe I29 against the flange 91 whenneeded.

To the right of the zone 239 there is another cam zone 242. This zoneincludes the low portion 243 and. the high portion 244 connected Theleft-hand end of the link is by the slanting portion 245; and the slideplate H4 is provided with the upwardly extending stud 246 which engageswith this zone 242 of the slide cam plate. The sections of this zone areso located as to ensure correct functioning of the slide plate I I 4; itbeing noted that the spring 293 urges said slide plate to maintain thestud 246 in engagement with said zone 242 at all times, and that theextent of stud movement in passing between the high and low positions issufficient to ensure that the slide plate II4 shall be shifted to carrythe flange 9'I into engagement with the upper engaging surface of thedrive head of the motor under spring pressure developed by the spring293 when the low portion 263 is in operative position with respect tothe stud. When the high portion is in operative position the stud ismoved far enough to carry the element 88 with its flange 9! away fromdriving engagement with the drive head aforesaid.

It will now be seen that this slide cam plate 29? serves the directfunctions of controlling the movements of the presser roller and thetape guide into and out of operative positions with respect to thespindle and the interpreting head 53, respectively; and also serves todirectly control the functionings of the two brake shoes, the movementsof the idler pulley I II and the movements of the stud 88 and theelement 88 and the reel 52 carried thereby.

The movements of the slide plates I93 and I94 which carry the idlerpulleys I69 and I10 must also be controlled in proper relation to themovements already explained, in order to complete the ensemble. Some ofthese movements of the slide plates I93 and I 94 must be effectedindependently of movements of the slide cam plate 291, and some of themmust be effected simultaneously and automatically with such movements ofthe slide cam plate 297.

The rock shaft 2 I l'for the button 56 carries the lever plate 24? bestshown in Figure 5. The slide plate I 93 is provided at its front endwith the lug 248 which reaches up through an opening 249 in the floorI7, and the front flange I8 is necessary to accommodate the movementswhich must be executed by this lug. The slide plate I94 is provided atits front end with the upstanding lug 250 which is also capable ofexecuting back and forth movements of sufiicient extent to properlycontrol such slide plate without interference with the front flange I8.Examination of Figures 5, 6 and 7 shows that these two lugs 248 and 259lie at opposite sides of the rock shaft 2 I I so that they may becontrolled by the opposite ends of the lever plate 267. These oppositeends of the lever plate are provided with the forwardly facing engagingfaces 25I and 252 which are in proper locations to engage the lugs 248and 250, respectively, when the rock shaft 2 I I is rocked clockwise orcounterclockwise, as the case may be. With this arrangement it is seenthat with the button 56 rocked to its counterclockwise extreme positionthe lug 250 will be engaged to draw the slide plate I94 forwardly, thusdisengaging the idler pulley I I0 from the drive head surface I6! andfrom the fly-wheel, and at the same time permitting the spring I99 todraw the slide plate I93 rearwardly to engage the idler pulley I69 withthe drive head surface I66 and with the fly-wheel. Thus Slow drive willbe eifected to the fly-wheel, and thence to other elements. Contrarily,by rocking the button 56 clockwise to its extreme position the lug 248will be engaged to draw the slide plate ISO I93 forwardly, thusdisengaging the idler pulley I69 from the drive head surface I66 andfrom the fly-wheel, and at the same time permitting the spring 200 todraw the slide plate I9 -l rearwardly to engage the idler pulley III]with the drive head surface I67 and with the fly-wheel. Thus Fasterdrive will be effected to the fiy-wheel, and thence to other elements.Thus it is pos sible to effect either slow or faster drive with thebutton 55 set into position for Playing.

The slide cam plate 297 is provided with the two edge contact zones 253and 254 at opposite sides of the rock shaft 2I'I and in position forengagement with the lugs 248 and 259, respectively, for proper positionsof such slide cam plate. In this connection it is noted that when thebutton 55 is moved to its Rewind position, where the flange 97 of theelement 88 is driven directly by engagement with the drive head surfaceI 68, both of the idler pulleys I69 and III) should be withdrawn fromengagement with the drive head surfaces and the fly-wheel, so that thespindle may remain at rest during such rewinding. These contact zones253 and 254 of the slide cam plate are so positioned that when the slidecam plate is shifted to its extreme leftward position (for Rev/ind)these zones will engage the two lugs 248 and 250 simultaneously, thuswithdrawing both of the idler wheels I69 and IIfi into inoperativepositions at such time. This will occur irrespective of the positionwhich the button 56 and its rock shaft 2 I? then occupy.

It i also noted that when the slide cam plate has been shifted to theright into the Playing position, both of these zones 253 and 254 arewithdrawn far enough so that neither of them will then interfere withproper movements of the lugs 248 and 250 under the special control ofthe button 56 and the rock shaft 2|! and the lever plate 241. Thus theproper controls for either Slow or Faster playing may be effected.

The front edge of the lever plate 241 is provided with a suitable notchor notches for engagement by the free end of a stifl leaf spring 255which spring is suitably anchored to the flange I8. These notchescorrespond to the two operative positions of the button 56, Slow andFaster.

In Figures 16 and 1'7 I have shown a modified form of control elementfor the rock shaft 2Il for Slow and Faster. In this case I have providedthe short finger piece or lever 256 connected to the upper end of suchrock shaft in position for convenient finger manipulation into either ofthe two significant positions.

In Figure 22 I have shown on approximately double size one of the guidestuds I2 and I3 which guide the tape past the sensing head when the tapeguide 54 is in its forward or inoperative position. Each of these studsis provided with a section of reduced size 251, wide enough toaccommodate the width of the tape to be used (for example, inch tape),and the upper and lower edges of this reduced width section 257 areslanted as well shown in Figure 22 on a slant of substantially 30degrees to the horizontal, as shown at 258 and 259. Preferably theseslanting portions do not carry clear to the cylindrical surface portion,so that small radial upper and lower faces 260 and 26I are provided fordirect engagement by the edges of the passing tape, to thus effectivelyretain said tape in correct registering position with respect to thesensing head during interpretation. These surfaces 269 and 26I may bespaced very slightly greater apart than the width of the tape so as toaccommodate

